Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann fined $3000 for Big Bash outburst

DARREN Lehmann has been fined for criticising the bowling action of West Indian Marlon Samuels, but the issue seems set to flare again this summer.

Code of Conduct commissioner John Price handed Brisbane Heat coach Lehmann a $3000 fine suspended for two years for questioning the bonafides of Samuels' action in the wake of the Heat's Big Bash loss to the Melbourne Renegades last Saturday night.

Lehmann appeared at the hearing via a video link from Sydney yesterday where he was preparing the Heat for tonight's Big Bash game against the Thunder at ANZ Stadium.

At least one Australian umpire has also expressed private concerns over off-spinner Samuels' quicker ball in the Big Bash and two more mentions will trigger an official report and a laboratory investigation.

Even if Samuels escapes without a full report in the Big Bash, he will then have to walk a tightrope through the five-match 50-over international series between the West Indies and Australia later this summer.

Lehmann has said of Samuels action: "I've spoken to the umpires about it. I just want something done. He couldn't bowl in the IPL [Indian Premier League] last year, yet he can bowl in the BBL.

"We've got to seriously look at what we're doing. Are we here to play cricket properly or what?

"If he's deemed legal, I'm totally understanding of that. But from my point of view from 20 years (of) cricket, I've got a problem with 120km/h off no steps."

After yesterday's hearing, Lehmann added: "I had a fair hearing and we all got our points across and now the matter has been dealt with."

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